Reviving Niwot history in Whistle Stop Park

In 1873, the year the Colorado Central Railroad completed its track, one of the first buildings erected was the Depot. Two years later, the official plat of the town of Niwot was filed on March 30, 1875, by Porter Hinman and Ambrose Murray.

Niwot is rejuvenating its history with a rendition of The Depot at Whistle Stop Park, to serve as the concessions building for Rock & Rails summer concerts.

This new Depot will save volunteers many hours currently spent setting up and tearing down the beer tent. The Depot will not only provide a pub-like service for beer, wine and margaritas, it will also store the equipment and beverages for the events.

The Depot will also be available to individuals or groups who would like to rent Whistle Stop Park for family or community events.

The total cost of the construction is $149,000. Our generous community has already raised $89,000 towards the project. To make this a reality, additional fundraising of $60,000 is required.

Tony and Felicia Santelli have agreed to champion the fundraising campaign. "We need the involvement of those who would like to take leadership roles to help raise funds, and/or anyone who has enjoyed the Rock & Rail concerts who would like to make a tax deductible donation," Tony Santelli said. A family foundation recently donated $5,000, and one individual has committed to raising $5,000 towards the goal. Santelli would like to find more individuals willing to join in the fundraising effort.

If you would like to help raise funds please contact Felicia Santelli at [email protected] or phone: 303-589-6283.

Make tax deductible donations online at NiwotArts.com/donate; tax ID: 26-4164620

OR

Make check payable to: Niwot Cultural Arts Association (or NCAA), PO Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544

All donors of $100 or more will be recognized on a plaque at Whistle Stop Park.

(*Source: "Niwot Colorado, Echoes from a Railroad Town," by Anne Quinby Dyni)